• In support of Gonsalves In support of Gonsalves Leon Gonsalves has been asked to resign as a Police Commissioner for what appears to be racial slurs in a private e-mail. If you didn’t know his family consists of members
• In support of Gonsalves
In support of Gonsalves
Leon Gonsalves has been asked to resign as a Police Commissioner for what appears to be racial slurs in a private e-mail. If you didn’t know his family consists of members from all races, he has a nickname for everyone, and he’s admired by his previous partner who is of Chinese descent, you might conclude he’s a racist.
I know these things, as I had the pleasure of working with Leon for the past 12 years. Before you judge his character, know that he’s dedicated his life to public service, put his life on the line to protect this community as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years, and he’s volunteered countless hours as a Pop Warner coach, enriching the lives of hundreds of youngsters.
I grew up in Los Angeles and have lived on Kaua‘i since 1990. 1 am half Japanese, half German, and a woman. I’m no stranger to discrimination, and I don’t tolerate it in any form. I can assure you Leon is not a racist. Anyone who knows him well will tell you the same thing.
This community and the police department will be best served by Leon remaining on the Police Commission because of his extensive law enforcement experience and his ability to stay true to his beliefs. As a public appointee, an appropriate response would be to apologize for any harm caused, even if unintentional. Leon told me that he apologized to Lum and Venneman during a meeting with Baptiste.
I stand behind what I say.
P.S. Leon’s nickname for me is Esperanza and mine for him is Homie.
Diana Gausepohl-White
